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Dont know where to start! Advice please

Eliz31abethEliz31abeth Member Posts: 33 Courageous
in Ask an employment adviser
Hi
Would be grateful for some advice on where to start please.
My DH has an undiagnosed neurological problem. The neurologist said its progressive and untreatable so why do we want a name ? ( gulp that hit hard). 
We need to start planning his retirement. He was furloughed over the 1st lockdown and was improved in that his symptoms were more managable.
I dont know how to start planning his retirement will he be able to retire on ill health without a diagnosis? 
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Replies

  • GeorgiacdonGeorgiacdon Member Posts: 33 Connected
    Hi, @Eliz31abeth I think each company is different my husband has just retired but he got diagnosed with prostrate cancer last year so thought he would retire on ill health, he started the process and a medical expert got in contact with him and discussed the cancer. He then sent a report in to say he wasn’t entitled to go under ill health so he retired normally, which was a bit unfair as although the cancer had gone late last year it has now come back. In your case it will b just like going to a medical officer so they will make up there mind from what is said. Hope that helps.
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  • Eliz31abethEliz31abeth Member Posts: 33 Courageous
    Georgiacdon said:
    Hi, @Eliz31abeth I think each company is different my husband has just retired but he got diagnosed with prostrate cancer last year so thought he would retire on ill health, he started the process and a medical expert got in contact with him and discussed the cancer. He then sent a report in to say he wasn’t entitled to go under ill health so he retired normally, which was a bit unfair as although the cancer had gone late last year it has now come back. In your case it will b just like going to a medical officer so they will make up there mind from what is said. Hope that helps.
    Thank you . Im sorry to hear about your husbands health.
    My DH has been undiagnosed for 5 years. 3 neurologists . Its not knowing what to plan for ..not knowing whether to start the process now .
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  • GeorgiacdonGeorgiacdon Member Posts: 33 Connected
    Thank u. I would set the process going and see what they say. You don’t have go ahead with it if it doesn’t work out financially or to what you want. Then the uncertainty will be better because u are doing something positive towards your end goal.
    Eliz31abeth said:
    Georgiacdon said:
    Hi, @Eliz31abeth I think each company is different my husband has just retired but he got diagnosed with prostrate cancer last year so thought he would retire on ill health, he started the process and a medical expert got in contact with him and discussed the cancer. He then sent a report in to say he wasn’t entitled to go under ill health so he retired normally, which was a bit unfair as although the cancer had gone late last year it has now come back. In your case it will b just like going to a medical officer so they will make up there mind from what is said. Hope that helps.
    Thank you . Im sorry to hear about your husbands health.
    My DH has been undiagnosed for 5 years. 3 neurologists . Its not knowing what to plan for ..not knowing whether to start the process now .

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  • woodbinewoodbine Member Posts: 2,211 Disability Gamechanger
    Starting to plan retirement depends on age and if he has pensions? If not then he would need to get signed off as sick and take it from there. Does he have care and/or mobility needs? if so PIP might be an option.
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  • Eliz31abethEliz31abeth Member Posts: 33 Courageous
    woodbine said:
    Starting to plan retirement depends on age and if he has pensions? If not then he would need to get signed off as sick and take it from there. Does he have care and/or mobility needs? if so PIP might be an option.
    He is 55 next year and been in long term employment so has a pension with current employer. His neurological symptoms are triggerered by certain things. At the moment his leg spasms with the cold and he trips easily. His fatigue is often overwhelming.he does have a big commute and drives all day so is considering changing jobs which i dont think is a good plan but he thinks it would be easier with less travel. He has a blue badge but other than that we ve not accessed anything else. Because we have no diagnosis we have no team to advise us  etc e.g specialist nurses
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  • GeorgiacdonGeorgiacdon Member Posts: 33 Connected
    @Eliz31abeth, can he speak to his company to see if they can help, they might be able to find a job which is easier for him.
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  • woodbinewoodbine Member Posts: 2,211 Disability Gamechanger
    If he's 55 next year and has a pension pot it would be worth talking to "pension wise" to discuss his options (its free)
    https://www.pensionwise.gov.uk/en
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  • Eliz31abethEliz31abeth Member Posts: 33 Courageous
    woodbine said:
    If he's 55 next year and has a pension pot it would be worth talking to "pension wise" to discuss his options (its free)
    https://www.pensionwise.gov.uk/en
    Thank you that looks really useful..I want to get planning as his bad days it frightens me ..i want to know his options . This is a good place to start 
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  • Eliz31abethEliz31abeth Member Posts: 33 Courageous
    Georgiacdon said:
    @Eliz31abeth, can he speak to his company to see if they can help, they might be able to find a job which is easier for him.
    Hi workload has been reduced but its the amount of driving thats difficult and the mobility can be a problem when he gets there..its not an office based job.
    Your points and suggestions are helpful thank you.
    Hope you DH is going on ok and retirement has helped with his health.
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  • poppy123456poppy123456 Community champion Posts: 22,213 Disability Gamechanger
    HI,

    I wouldn't advise your husband to cash in any pension without first getting some expert advice because it could affect any benefits you maybe entitled too, therefore it may not be worth taking the pension early. It really depends on the figures.

    If his health condition prevents him working then claiming SSP from his employer, with a fit note from his GP would be the first step. Whether he'll be entitled to any benefits on top of this will totally depend on both your financial circumstances,
    Community champion and proud winner of the 2019 empowering others award. This award was given for supporting disabled people and their families for the benefit advice i have given to members here on the community.
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  • janer1967janer1967 Community champion Posts: 6,196 Disability Gamechanger
    Hi your OH needs to discuss his options with his employer to ensure he starts the correct process which is right for him and the company as there could be different options

    It isnt about a diagnosis more about his ability to complete his job , it may be worth him being referred yo Occupational Health for a work based assessment and they will then recommend both to him and his employer of the best options 

    Ig he is unable to work currently he should see his gp and get a fit note and start the process that way, he shouldnt give up work without going through either medical dismissal or ill health capability
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